MR. DESTINY (1990)

Directed By: James Orr 
Written By: James Orr & Jim Cruickshank 
Cinematography By: Alex Thomson 
Editor: Michael R. Miller 


Cast: Jim Belushi, Michael Caine, Linda Hamilton, Rene Russo, Jon Lovitz, Courtney Cox, Jay O. Sanders, Maury Chaykin, Tony Longo, Hart Bochner, Kathy Ireland

Larry Burrows is unhappy and feels powerless over his life. He believes his entire life could have turned out differently had he not missed that shot in a baseball game when was a kid. One night he meets this mysterious man, who could change his fate by offering him that alternative life he always dreamed of. But as Burrows embarks on this journey of self discovery he realizes that even this new life has its problems and drawbacks..

This is a film of modern day middle age wish fulfillment. That is perfect as a Disney movie. As even though it is centered around adults. The film easily plays for a general family audience.

It's inoffensive yet mildly romantic. Almost like a contemporary Frank Capra type film. That strangely takes a more dark turn. As it is supposed to be a what if? Type tale. Bough his life in this fantasy seems already built and supposedly his character has already started an affair or has a mistress. While he is trying to reconnect to his wife from his life before. Who here is not and is a lawyer for the Union of his workers.

I can see why the film casted Jim Belushi, as he has an Every man quality, but he lacks the charming version this film seems to want to put forth. He is the more blue collar regular Joe. Kind of messy and loud mouthed. At least those are the type of roles he played. Here his character is more light-hearted and quiet. More of a tom hanks type. Though he is passable here. This seemed to be one of the last of the big screen starring roles for him. After TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS (which was released two months after this film was released) and THE PRINCIPAL being stand outs in particular for me at least.

Michael Caine is in the film more as an extended cameo and also as a mother big name on poster. To legitimize the film more to audiences. Though he is more the mysterious character who advises and allows the main character through his fate. Usually showing up to give him words of wisdom when in trouble.

The film is sweet and not insulting though the unpredictable part again is that he gets what he wants, but the grim circumstances and fete that awaits him where his dream life goes rotten. Is hard not to be Seen as not necessarily realizing that his life was better before, but of course he would want his former life as in this one he is a wanted man who is having multiple affairs and looks to be about to begin one and has to talk his once best friend out of suicide.

This film seems like one of this high concept package deals. Especially looking at the cast list. That seemed like it was destined for a bigger star and then went down the line to see who would accept it and actually make it. Usually for a studio like Hollywood pictures or tri-star or touchstone. Where is seemed to be making mid level pictures just so there would be something coming out every weekend.

This was also one of the first film I remember Rene Russo co-starring in. The only one I remember before this was MAJOR LEAGUE. Here she is more the ideal and the temptress and she is a knockout. Though not that much is asked of her and her character.

The film is a nice time waster that seems to always be on television time to time. Mind you television and not cable. So while it is a nice rental. It is also a film that is easy to find playing somewhere on the tube.

I say give it a chance if you have nothing better to do. It's fine and a feel good film. Though nothing to really write home about.


Grade: C+